Virtual network manager system

ABSTRACT

A virtual network manager system comprising a server in communication with a node, the server including at least one virtual network function (VNF), a cluster manager in communication with the server, the cluster manager is configured to detect a change in a health of the VNF on the server and when the change in the health of the VNF occurs generate a signal to a node to perform an action, the action including at least one of throttling traffic to the VNF, rerouting traffic to an alternate VNF, changing a weight value for traffic to the VNF, and generating an alert indicating a relative capacity change at the VNF.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/200,778, filed Nov. 27, 2018, entitled“Virtual Network Manager System,” the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to networked resources, and more particularly toa system for managing a cluster of virtual network functions. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to a system having a clustermanager that maintains virtual network function (VNF) health throughthresholds. Most particularly, the disclosure relates to a system thatincludes a cluster manager that monitors the health of a VNF, and when athreshold is attained performs an action including throttling traffic tothe VNF, re-routing traffic to another peer virtual machine, reportingthe threshold to a 3GPP node, server or orchestrator to rate limit orthrottle traffic based on a current capacity of the affected VNF.

BACKGROUND

Mobility networks are leveraging virtual network functions and softwaredefined networks (SDN), and evolving from a vendor-specific architectureto a cloud network architecture. Traditional architectures use virtualswitches, routers, and load balancers to handle millions of transactionsin a web server model with distributed clients. Web server cloudnetworks have load balancer virtual machines (VMs) to handle trafficfrom millions of endpoints and use auto-scaling for failure and recoveryscenarios. This front end management is not conducive to a mobility ortelecommunications network in the sense that such networks are limitedby the number of computes or number of VMs; the necessity to providereal-time services and the protocols used.

The mobility network virtual instances, such as, MOG, MME, S/PGW, PCRFand the like, include several different component VMs and form a VNF.Each VM has different characteristics, such as, LB VM, back end VM,database VM etc. When a VM crashes or goes out of service, the cloudspins up VMs using closed loop logic. Mobility EPC VNFs are not able todetect multiple backend VM failures and how to handle the ingress/inflowof data packets. As a result, the crash may cause black hole traffic,cause poor VNF performance and disrupt end applications.

In particular, in the case of a cloud outage that impacts multiplebackend VMs and database VMs, the VNF will continue to accept incomingtraffic. This may result in higher nodal CPU utilizations and congestionscenarios. Existing systems do not provide a way to communicate the VNFperformance to its peer end server/client to identify the backend anddatabase VMs' failures. As a result end performance suffers. Moreover,there is no way to communicate the VM failures supporting a VNF. Forexample, when there is a burst of HTTP/TCP/UDP/SCTP requests from a 3GPPnode or API node to the EPC front end server VMs, if during the burstcertain back end server VMs crash, the server cannot handle the trafficburst. The examples within this disclosure address one or more of theseproblems.

SUMMARY

According to an example, the disclosure relates generally to a virtualnetwork manager system comprising a server in communication with a node,the server including at least one virtual network function (VNF), acluster manager in communication with the server, the cluster manager isconfigured to detect a change in a health of the VNF on the server andwhen the change in the health of the VNF occurs generate a signal to anode to perform an action, the action including at least one ofthrottling traffic to the VNF, rerouting traffic to an alternate VNF,changing a weight value for traffic to the VNF, and generating an alertindicating a relative capacity change at the VNF.

Another example includes a network device comprising a process, a memorycoupled with the processor, and an input/output device, the memorycomprising executable instructions that when executed by the processorcause the processor to effectuate operations comprising monitoring ahealth of a VNF supporting a node, alerting the node when the health ofthe VNF indicates a loss of capacity, and taking an action based on theloss of capacity, the action including at least one of throttlingtraffic to the VNF, rerouting traffic to an alternate VNF, changing aweight value for traffic to the VNF.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding ofthe variations in implementing the disclosed technology. However, theinstant disclosure may take many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the examples set forth herein. Where practical,like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1A is a representation of an exemplary network.

FIG. 1B is a representation of an exemplary hardware platform.

FIG. 2 is a representation of a cluster manager system according to oneexample.

FIG. 2A is a representation of a cluster manager system according toanother example.

FIG. 2B is a representation of a cluster manager system according toanother example.

FIG. 2C is a representation of a cluster manager system according toanother example.

FIG. 2D is a representation of a cluster manager system according toanother example.

FIG. 2E is a flow diagram schematically depicting operations for acluster manager system according to an example.

FIG. 2F is a flow diagram schematically depicting operations for acluster manager system according to an example.

FIG. 2G is a flow diagram depicting operations of a system according toan example.

FIG. 3 is a representation of a network device according to an example.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary communication system that provide wirelesstelecommunication services over wireless communication networks that maybe at least partially implemented as an SDN.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system.

FIG. 6 is a representation of a telecommunications network.

FIG. 7 is a representation of a core network.

FIG. 8 is a representation packet-based mobile cellular networkenvironment.

FIG. 9 is a representation of a GPRS network.

FIG. 10 is a representation a PLMN architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Telecommunications networks are more complex in that they mustaccommodate multiple user interfaces, control plane restrictions andreal time communication. In existing application networks, when avirtual machine supporting an application goes down, the networkaddresses the issue by spinning up a new VM. While this type of staticsolution is sufficient for certain applications, the demands of atelecommunications network mentioned above require a dynamic solution.The examples herein relate to a VNF manager system that intelligentlyand dynamically alerts connected/supported devices of virtual machinehealth. The system may also signal such devices to take action toaccount for a change in VNF capacity.

A VNF manager system is generally indicated by the number 200 in theaccompanying drawings. The system 200 incorporates may be incorporatedin a wireless network, software defined network or other networkincluding those in the examples depicted in FIGS. 4-10 that supporttelecommunications. Using a wireless network as an example, pooledelements may need to provide a relative capacity value to otherexternally connected elements. According to an example, a weightednumber associated to the aggregate call processing capacity relative toother pool member elements may be provided. This weighted value is usedto compute a ratio for traffic distribution within the pool. When apooled control plane call processing element, which has multipleapplication (call) processors (AP boards/VMs), and which uses a relativecapacity value announced to other externally connected elements, loses acall processor, controlled or uncontrolled, the element should triggerautomatic (dynamic) adjustment of its relative capacity value to accountfor reduced aggregated capacity, which it can then send towards theexternal connected elements in order to facilitate subsequent adjustmentto their distribution of control plane traffic. A cluster manageraccording to the examples discussed in more detail below, automaticallydetects call processor outages and recalculates a relative capacityvalue to dynamically inform connected elements served by the affectedpooled VM.

System 200 is described in the context of a cloud computing, softwaredesigned network (SDN), SON, or network function virtualization (NFV)because of the dynamic nature of the system's policy and the elasticnature of such environments. As discussed more completely below, system200 may be instantiated as a network device, as a virtual machine, or avirtual network function on a network.

FIG. 1A is a representation of an exemplary network 100. Network 100 maycomprise a virtualized network—network 100 may include one or morevirtualized functions implemented on general purpose hardware, such asin lieu of having dedicated hardware for every network function. Generalpurpose hardware of network 100 may be configured to run virtual networkelements to support communication services, such as mobility services,including consumer services and enterprise services. These services maybe provided or measured in sessions.

A virtual network function(s) (VNF) 102 may be able to support a limitednumber of sessions. Each VNF 102 may have a VNF type that indicates itsfunctionality or role. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a gateway VNF102 a and a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) VNF 102 b.Additionally or alternatively, VNFs 102 may include other types of VNFsincluding but not limited to security, routing, wide area network (WAN)optimization and others within a service providers virtual networkofferings. According to the example, VNF 102 may estimate a buffercondition as described more completely below.

Each VNF 102 may use one or more virtual machine (VM) 104 to operate.Each VM 104 may have a VM type that indicates its functionality or role.For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a backend (BE) VM 104 a and a database(DB) VM 104 b that support a VNF, such as the gateway and communicationVNFs shown. Additionally or alternatively, VM 104 may include othertypes of VMs. Each VM 104 may consume various network resources from ahardware platform 106, such as a resource 108, a virtual centralprocessing unit (vCPU) 108 a, memory 108 b, or a network interface card(NIC) 108 c. Additionally or alternatively, hardware platform 106 mayinclude other types of resources 108.

While FIG. 1A illustrates resources 108 as collectively contained inhardware platform 106, the configuration of hardware platform 106 mayisolate, for example, certain memory 108 c from other memory 108 a. FIG.1B provides an exemplary implementation of hardware platform 106.

Hardware platform 106 may comprise one or more chasses 110. Chassis 110may refer to the physical housing or platform for multiple servers orother network equipment. In an aspect, chassis 110 may also refer to theunderlying network equipment. Chassis 110 may include one or moreservers 112. Server 112 may comprise general purpose computer hardwareor a computer. In an aspect, chassis 110 may comprise a metal rack, andservers 112 of chassis 110 may comprise blade servers that arephysically mounted in or on chassis 110.

Each server 112 may include one or more network resources 108, asillustrated. Servers 112 may be communicatively coupled together in anycombination or arrangement. For example, all servers 112 within a givenchassis 110 may be communicatively coupled. As another example, servers112 in different chasses 110 may be communicatively coupled.Additionally or alternatively, chasses 110 may be communicativelycoupled together in any combination or arrangement.

The characteristics of each chassis 110 and each server 112 may differ.For example, FIG. 1B illustrates that the number of servers 112 withintwo chasses 110 may vary. Additionally or alternatively, the type ornumber of resources 110 within each server 112 may vary. In an aspect,chassis 110 may be used to group servers 112 with the same resourcecharacteristics. In another aspect, servers 112 within the same chassis110 may have different resource characteristics.

FIG. 2 shows a representation of a VNF cluster manager system 200according to an example. The system 200 generally includes a clustermanager 210 that communicates with a network such as the transportnetwork 220 shown. Transport network includes one or more VNFs generallyindicated by the number 230. As described more completely below, eachVNF may be supported by one or more virtual machine or container,generally indicated at 240.

In accordance with an example, system 200 includes a cluster manager 210that checks VNF health. Cluster manager 210 may then communicate thehealth through a remote node, an API or API server to manage cluster asdescribed more completely below. The health of the VNF may includewhether supporting databases are intact, whether there is capacity forincoming IOPs, transactions, or messages within the application layer;whether there is a loss of call processors or other supporting elements.

Within the cloud architecture, VNF 230 may be supported by at least oneload balancer 235. The use of at least one herein, will have the samemeaning as one or more. In the example, a pair of gateway load balancers235 are shown. Call flows C from a node 250, such as an eNode B (eNB),an MME, or an new radio and access and mobility management function, arerouted to individual VMs 240 by load balancer 235. In the example, twoof the four VMs supporting the call traffic are malfunctioning reducingcall capacity by half. Ordinarily the affected eNB 250 is unaware of thechange in capacity and continues to send traffic at a normal rate.According to the example, a cluster manager 210 monitoring the health ofthe VNF would report the loss of capacity to eNB 250 by sending a signalat 216. Signal 216 may include an action, i.e. stop traffic, throttle orreduce traffic, or reroute traffic to adjust for the loss of capacity.For example, signal 216 may direct node 250 to change the weight factorfor the traffic or otherwise reduce the amount of traffic to theaffected VNF. In the example shown, since one half of the VM capacityhas been lost, cluster manager 210 may signal node 250 a weight factorto reduce the traffic in half. Signal 216 may also instruct node 250 tosteer traffic to another node or VNF, rate limit the traffic, throttletraffic, or other action to address the loss of capacity.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, cluster manager 210 is instantiated withthe VNF. This example is not limiting as cluster manager 210 may beinstantiated independently and connected to the VNF or its underlyingelements (VMs, DBs etc.). Alternately, cluster manager 210 may beincorporated in an orchestrator, application server, a VM, or othernetwork device in communication with the VNF. In addition, multiplecluster managers may be instantiated within different network devices.Likewise, cluster manager 210 may provide signal 216 to one or moredevices to address the capacity and health of the VNF. With reference toFIGS. 2A-2D, examples of different cluster manager 210 implementationsare shown and will be described below. These examples are not limiting.

With reference to FIG. 2A, an example where cluster manager 210 isincorporated in an orchestrator 245 associated with the VNF is shown.Orchestrator 245 is in communication with the VNF 230 and monitors itsoperation. In this example, a first cluster manager 211 is instantiatedwith the VNF as in the example shown in FIG. 2. A second cluster manager212 is provided as part of orchestrator 245 in this example. It will beunderstood that first cluster manager 211 may be omitted in this examplewith the cluster manager functionality residing solely withinorchestrator 245.

As in the previous example, the cluster manager 210 monitors the healthof the VNF and its supporting components. If cluster manager 210 detectsa change in the health of VNF or its supporting components, it sends asignal 216 to adjust traffic flow to the VNF based on the change incapacity or other action appropriate to the change in the health of theVNF. In the example, first cluster manager 211 sends a first signal 216Ato node 250 via load balancer 235. Orchestrator 245 having secondcluster manager 212 may likewise detect a change in the health of theVNF and signal node 250 directly directing a second signal 216B to node250. It will be understood that in an example where first clustermanager 211 is omitted such that cluster manager 210 solely resides inorchestrator 245 signal 216 will be transmitted only from orchestrator245 to node 250.

As in the previous example, the signal(s) 216 may include an action tobe taken by node 250. It will be understood that in any of the examplesshown, cluster manager 210 may send the signal to the node in general ora component of node 250. The example in FIG. 2A relates to a 3GPPnetwork. In this example, cluster manager 210 sends signal 216 to amobility management entity (MME) 255 for node 250. A similar example fora non-3GPP network is depicted in FIG. 2C. In this example, anapplication on application server 257 is supported by a VNF 230. As inthe previous embodiment, if cluster manager 210 detects a change in thehealth of the VMs or other components supporting the application, itgenerates a signal. In this example, cluster manager 210 sends signal216 to an application server 257.

With reference to FIG. 2D, an alternate example is shown. This exampleis similar to FIG. 2C. As depicted in this example, VNF 230 may besupported by a variety of devices including virtual machines, containersand databases generally indicated 240. In the example, plural containerssupport VNF 240. It will be understood that containers may beimplemented in the other examples depicted in the figures. In theexample shown, a VM and a container have failed. Cluster manager 210communicates signal 216 to node 250 via orchestrator 245. In theexample, node 250 is an application server 257.

FIG. 2E depicts another example showing a signal 216 sent from oneorchestrator to a second orchestrator. For example, the firstorchestrator 246 may be in a first cloud 221 and the second orchestrator247 in a second cloud 222. In this instance, signal 216 may indicate tosecond orchestrator 247 that the VNF in first cloud 221 is experiencinga change in capacity. Signal 216 may also specify an action such as toroute traffic T away from the VNF in the first cloud 221, to reduce theamount of traffic T or send traffic T up to a selected amount. Otheractions described above may also be implemented across cloud networksaccording to this example. While the example of node 250 including anapplication server 257 is shown, this example is not limiting. Asdescribed above, node 250 may include other components supported by thecommunications VNF including but not limited to an eNB, MME, and thelike.

FIG. 2F depicts another example where the cluster manager 210 isinstantiated within at least one component or virtual instancesupporting VNF 230 including but not limited to a VM, a DB, a loadbalancer and the like. In the example, at least one of the VMs 240supporting VNF 230 includes a cluster manager 210. As in previousexamples, cluster managers 210 within VMs 240 may send signal 216 tonode 250 via load balancer 235 (FIG. 2) or, as shown, via orchestrator245.

With reference to FIG. 2G, system 200 may perform operations generallyindicated by the number 265. Operations 265 may include monitoring thehealth of a VNF at 270. This operation may include instantiating acluster manager 210 at 272. When the health of the VNF changes, thesystem 200 may effect further operations generally indicated at 275, anddescribed more completely below.

As described, system 200 monitors the health of the VNF. The health ofthe VNF may be indicated by the number of VM or other component failuresas shown in the examples. These failures may also be monitored in termsof the capacity of the VNF. For example, as discussed, loss of one halfof the VMs within the VNF may reduce the capacity of VNF to 50%. It willbe understood that in other examples, the correlation may not be linearand the relative capacity may vary. According to an example, any loss ofcapacity or detection of a failure within the VNF may cause clustermanager 210 to send a signal 216 at 276. As discussed, signal 216 may bea simple alert to node 250 warning of the failure or loss of capacity.In other examples, signal 216 triggers an action to throttle traffic tothe VNF, change a weight factor for the VNF, or divert a portion or allof the traffic away from the VNF at 277. According to one example, theaction includes signaling a REST API to select an alternate GW at 278.

In another example generally indicated at 280, cluster manager 210 maycompare the health of the VNF to selected values to determine the typeof signal 216 sent to node 250 or to identify an appropriate action. Forexample, 50% capacity may be used as a threshold, such that if thehealth of the VNF drops below 50% capacity, at least one of the actionsdescribed above is taken. In another example multiple thresholds may beused to determine the appropriate signal and/or action. For example, afirst threshold 281 is 75% capacity, a second threshold 282 is 50%capacity and a third threshold 283 is 25% capacity. These examples arenot limiting as other values may be used and factors other than capacitymay be used to determine the health of the VNF 230. In the example, whenthe health of the VNF 230 drops below the first threshold, signal 216may simply include an alert to node 250 at 285. When the health of theVNF 230 drops below the second threshold, a second signal at 286 maytrigger an action to throttle traffic, reroute a portion of the trafficto another VNF, or change the weight factor for the VNF 230. When thehealth of the VNF 230 drops below the third threshold, a third signal216 at 287 may be sent diverting all traffic away from the VNF 230.Additional signals may be used as thresholds are crossed in the oppositedirection when the health of the VNF 230 is restored. For example, whenthe health is greater than the third threshold but still below thesecond threshold, an additional signal 216 may be used to restore atleast a portion of the traffic to VNF 230. The portion may beproportional to the capacity of the VNF 230. A similar signal 216 may beused when the health exceeds the second threshold but is below the firstthreshold. Finally, when the health of the VNF 230 exceeds the firstthreshold, a signal 216 may alert node 250 to fully restore traffic tothe VNF 230. FIG. 2G is a flow diagram schematically depicting oneexample of operations of the system 200 including use of multiplesignals to dynamically and intelligently address the health of the VNF230 as discussed herein.

As described above, system 200 and its components including clustermanager 210 may be instantiated as a network device. FIG. 3. illustratesa functional block diagram depicting one example of a network device,generally indicated at 300. Network device 300 may comprise a processor302 and a memory 304 coupled to processor 302. Memory 304 may containexecutable instructions that, when executed by processor 302, causeprocessor 302 to effectuate operations associated with translatingparallel protocols between end points in families as described above. Asevident from the description herein, network device 300 is not to beconstrued as software per se.

In addition to processor 302 and memory 304, network device 300 mayinclude an input/output system 306. Processor 302, memory 304, andinput/output system 306 may be coupled together to allow communicationsbetween them. Each portion of network device 300 may comprise circuitryfor performing functions associated with each respective portion. Thus,each portion may comprise hardware, or a combination of hardware andsoftware. Accordingly, each portion of network device 300 is not to beconstrued as software per se. Input/output system 306 may be capable ofreceiving or providing information from or to a communications device orother network entities configured for telecommunications. For exampleinput/output system 306 may include a wireless communications (e.g.,3G/4G/GPS) card. Input/output system 306 may be capable of receiving orsending video information, audio information, control information, imageinformation, data, or any combination thereof. Input/output system 306may be capable of transferring information with network device 300. Invarious configurations, input/output system 306 may receive or provideinformation via any appropriate means, such as, for example, opticalmeans (e.g., infrared), electromagnetic means (e.g., RF, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth®, ZigBee®), acoustic means (e.g., speaker, microphone,ultrasonic receiver, ultrasonic transmitter), electrical means, or acombination thereof. In an example configuration, input/output system306 may comprise a Wi-Fi finder, a two-way GPS chipset or equivalent, orthe like, or a combination thereof. Bluetooth, infrared, NFC, and Zigbeeare generally considered short range (e.g., few centimeters to 20meters). WiFi is considered medium range (e.g., approximately 100meters).

Input/output system 306 of network device 300 also may contain acommunication connection 308 that allows network device 300 tocommunicate with other devices, network entities, or the like.Communication connection 308 may comprise communication media.Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media may include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, or wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared, or other wireless media. The term computer-readable media asused herein includes both storage media and communication media.Input/output system 306 also may include an input device 310 such askeyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, or touch input device.Input/output system 306 may also include an output device 312, such as adisplay, speakers, or a printer.

Processor 302 may be capable of performing functions associated withtelecommunications, such as functions for processing broadcast messages,as described herein. For example, processor 302 may be capable of, inconjunction with any other portion of network device 300, determining atype of broadcast message and acting according to the broadcast messagetype or content, as described herein.

Memory 304 of network device 300 may comprise a storage medium having aconcrete, tangible, physical structure. As is known, a signal does nothave a concrete, tangible, physical structure. Memory 304, as well asany computer-readable storage medium described herein, is not to beconstrued as a signal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readablestorage medium described herein, is not to be construed as a transientsignal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage mediumdescribed herein, is not to be construed as a propagating signal. Memory304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein,is to be construed as an article of manufacture.

Memory 304 may store any information utilized in conjunction withtelecommunications. Depending upon the exact configuration or type ofprocessor, memory 304 may include a volatile storage 314 (such as sometypes of RAM), a nonvolatile storage 316 (such as ROM, flash memory), ora combination thereof. Memory 304 may include additional storage (e.g.,a removable storage 318 or a non-removable storage 320) including, forexample, tape, flash memory, smart cards, CD-ROM, DVD, or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, USB-compatible memory, or any othermedium that can be used to store information and that can be accessed bynetwork device 300. Memory 304 may comprise executable instructionsthat, when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuateoperations to monitor the health of a VNF, dynamically and intelligentlyalert affected components and signal an action to account for the changein health.

System 200 may reside within or be connected to any network to monitorthe health of a VNF including any virtual machines connected to orhosted on the network to support the VNF. The following are examplenetworks on which system 200 may reside. For purposes of centrality,system 200 may reside within a core network shown in the variousexamples below. However, it will be understood that system 200 mayreside on any network edge router or network device providing the samefunction in connection with customer VRFs including but not limited totelecommunications networks, internet, and other networks described morecompletely below.

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram depicting one example ofan LTE-EPS network architecture 400 that may be at least partiallyimplemented as an virtualized network. Network architecture 400disclosed herein is referred to as a modified LTE-EPS architecture 400to distinguish it from a traditional LTE-EPS architecture.

An example modified LTE-EPS architecture 400 is based at least in parton standards developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP),with information available at www.3gpp.org. LTE-EPS network architecture400 may include an access network 402, a core network 404, e.g., an EPCor Common BackBone (CBB) and one or more external networks 406,sometimes referred to as PDN or peer entities. Different externalnetworks 406 can be distinguished from each other by a respectivenetwork identifier, e.g., a label according to DNS naming conventionsdescribing an access point to the PDN. Such labels can be referred to asAccess Point Names (APN). External networks 406 can include one or moretrusted and non-trusted external networks such as an internet protocol(IP) network 408, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network 410, andother networks 412, such as a service network, a corporate network, orthe like. In an aspect, access network 402, core network 404, orexternal network 405 may include or communicate with network 100.

Access network 402 can include an LTE network architecture sometimesreferred to as Evolved Universal mobile Telecommunication systemTerrestrial Radio Access (E UTRA) and evolved UMTS Terrestrial RadioAccess Network (E-UTRAN). Broadly, access network 402 can include one ormore communication devices, commonly referred to as UE 414, and one ormore wireless access nodes, or base stations 416 a, 416 b. Duringnetwork operations, at least one base station 416 communicates directlywith UE 414. Base station 416 can be an evolved Node B (e-NodeB), withwhich UE 414 communicates over the air and wirelessly. UEs 414 caninclude, without limitation, wireless devices, e.g., satellitecommunication systems, portable digital assistants (PDAs), laptopcomputers, tablet devices and other mobile devices (e.g., cellulartelephones, smart appliances, and so on). UEs 414 can connect to eNBs416 when UE 414 is within range according to a corresponding wirelesscommunication technology.

UE 414 generally runs one or more applications that engage in a transferof packets between UE 414 and one or more external networks 406. Suchpacket transfers can include one of downlink packet transfers fromexternal network 406 to UE 414, uplink packet transfers from UE 414 toexternal network 406 or combinations of uplink and downlink packettransfers. Applications can include, without limitation, web browsing,VoIP, streaming media and the like. Each application can pose differentQuality of Service (QoS) requirements on a respective packet transfer.Different packet transfers can be served by different bearers withincore network 404, e.g., according to parameters, such as the QoS.

Core network 404 uses a concept of bearers, e.g., EPS bearers, to routepackets, e.g., IP traffic, between a particular gateway in core network404 and UE 414. A bearer refers generally to an IP packet flow with adefined QoS between the particular gateway and UE 414. Access network402, e.g., E UTRAN, and core network 404 together set up and releasebearers as required by the various applications. Bearers can beclassified in at least two different categories: (i) minimum guaranteedbit rate bearers, e.g., for applications, such as VoIP; and (ii)non-guaranteed bit rate bearers that do not require guarantee bit rate,e.g., for applications, such as web browsing.

In one embodiment, the core network 404 includes various networkentities, such as MME 418, SGW 420, Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 422,Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 424 and PGW 426. In oneembodiment, MME 418 comprises a control node performing a controlsignaling between various equipment and devices in access network 402and core network 404. The protocols running between UE 414 and corenetwork 404 are generally known as Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocols.

For illustration purposes only, the terms MME 418, SGW 420, HSS 422 andPGW 426, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in thesubject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood thatany form of such servers can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as bearer pathsand/or interfaces are terms that can include features, methodologies,and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standardsbodies such as the 3GPP. It is further noted that some or allembodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify,supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards publishedand promulgated by 3GPP.

According to traditional implementations of LTE-EPS architectures, SGW420 routes and forwards all user data packets. SGW 420 also acts as amobility anchor for user plane operation during handovers between basestations, e.g., during a handover from first eNB 416 a to second eNB 416b as may be the result of UE 414 moving from one area of coverage, e.g.,cell, to another. SGW 420 can also terminate a downlink data path, e.g.,from external network 406 to UE 414 in an idle state, and trigger apaging operation when downlink data arrives for UE 414. SGW 420 can alsobe configured to manage and store a context for UE 414, e.g., includingone or more of parameters of the IP bearer service and network internalrouting information. In addition, SGW 420 can perform administrativefunctions, e.g., in a visited network, such as collecting informationfor charging (e.g., the volume of data sent to or received from theuser), and/or replicate user traffic, e.g., to support a lawfulinterception. SGW 420 also serves as the mobility anchor forinterworking with other 3GPP technologies such as universal mobiletelecommunication system (UMTS).

At any given time, UE 414 is generally in one of three different states:detached, idle, or active. The detached state is typically a transitorystate in which UE 414 is powered on but is engaged in a process ofsearching and registering with network 402. In the active state, UE 414is registered with access network 402 and has established a wirelessconnection, e.g., radio resource control (RRC) connection, with eNB 416.Whether UE 414 is in an active state can depend on the state of a packetdata session, and whether there is an active packet data session. In theidle state, UE 414 is generally in a power conservation state in whichUE 414 typically does not communicate packets. When UE 414 is idle, SGW420 can terminate a downlink data path, e.g., from one peer entity 406,and triggers paging of UE 414 when data arrives for UE 414. If UE 414responds to the page, SGW 420 can forward the IP packet to eNB 416 a.

HSS 422 can manage subscription-related information for a user of UE414. For example, tHSS 422 can store information such as authorizationof the user, security requirements for the user, quality of service(QoS) requirements for the user, etc. HSS 422 can also hold informationabout external networks 406 to which the user can connect, e.g., in theform of an APN of external networks 406. For example, MME 418 cancommunicate with HSS 422 to determine if UE 414 is authorized toestablish a call, e.g., a voice over IP (VoIP) call before the call isestablished.

PCRF 424 can perform QoS management functions and policy control. PCRF424 is responsible for policy control decision-making, as well as forcontrolling the flow-based charging functionalities in a policy controlenforcement function (PCEF), which resides in PGW 426. PCRF 424 providesthe QoS authorization, e.g., QoS class identifier and bit rates thatdecide how a certain data flow will be treated in the PCEF and ensuresthat this is in accordance with the user's subscription profile.

PGW 426 can provide connectivity between the UE 414 and one or more ofthe external networks 406. In illustrative network architecture 400, PGW426 can be responsible for IP address allocation for UE 414, as well asone or more of QoS enforcement and flow-based charging, e.g., accordingto rules from the PCRF 424. PGW 426 is also typically responsible forfiltering downlink user IP packets into the different QoS-based bearers.In at least some embodiments, such filtering can be performed based ontraffic flow templates. PGW 426 can also perform QoS enforcement, e.g.,for guaranteed bit rate bearers. PGW 426 also serves as a mobilityanchor for interworking with non-3GPP technologies such as CDMA2000.

Within access network 402 and core network 404 there may be variousbearer paths/interfaces, e.g., represented by solid lines 428 and 430.Some of the bearer paths can be referred to by a specific label. Forexample, solid line 428 can be considered an S1-U bearer and solid line432 can be considered an S5/S8 bearer according to LTE-EPS architecturestandards. Without limitation, reference to various interfaces, such asS1, X2, S5, S8, S11 refer to EPS interfaces. In some instances, suchinterface designations are combined with a suffix, e.g., a “U” or a “C”to signify whether the interface relates to a “User plane” or a “Controlplane.” In addition, the core network 404 can include various signalingbearer paths/interfaces, e.g., control plane paths/interfacesrepresented by dashed lines 430, 434, 436, and 438. Some of thesignaling bearer paths may be referred to by a specific label. Forexample, dashed line 430 can be considered as an S1-MME signalingbearer, dashed line 434 can be considered as an S11 signaling bearer anddashed line 436 can be considered as an S6a signaling bearer, e.g.,according to LTE-EPS architecture standards. The above bearer paths andsignaling bearer paths are only illustrated as examples and it should benoted that additional bearer paths and signaling bearer paths may existthat are not illustrated.

Also shown is a novel user plane path/interface, referred to as theS1-U+ interface 466. In the illustrative example, the S1-U+ user planeinterface extends between the eNB 416 a and PGW 426. Notably, S1-U+path/interface does not include SGW 420, a node that is otherwiseinstrumental in configuring and/or managing packet forwarding betweeneNB 416 a and one or more external networks 406 by way of PGW 426. Asdisclosed herein, the S1-U+ path/interface facilitates autonomouslearning of peer transport layer addresses by one or more of the networknodes to facilitate a self-configuring of the packet forwarding path. Inparticular, such self-configuring can be accomplished during handoversin most scenarios so as to reduce any extra signaling load on the S/PGWs420, 426 due to excessive handover events.

In some embodiments, PGW 426 is coupled to storage device 440, shown inphantom. Storage device 440 can be integral to one of the network nodes,such as PGW 426, for example, in the form of internal memory and/or diskdrive. It is understood that storage device 440 can include registerssuitable for storing address values. Alternatively or in addition,storage device 440 can be separate from PGW 426, for example, as anexternal hard drive, a flash drive, and/or network storage.

Storage device 440 selectively stores one or more values relevant to theforwarding of packet data. For example, storage device 440 can storeidentities and/or addresses of network entities, such as any of networknodes 418, 420, 422, 424, and 426, eNBs 416 and/or UE 414. In theillustrative example, storage device 440 includes a first storagelocation 442 and a second storage location 444. First storage location442 can be dedicated to storing a Currently Used Downlink address value442. Likewise, second storage location 444 can be dedicated to storing aDefault Downlink Forwarding address value 444. PGW 426 can read and/orwrite values into either of storage locations 442, 444, for example,managing Currently Used Downlink Forwarding address value 442 andDefault Downlink Forwarding address value 444 as disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address for eachEPS bearer is the SGW S5-U address for each EPS Bearer. The CurrentlyUsed Downlink Forwarding address” for each EPS bearer in PGW 426 can beset every time when PGW 426 receives an uplink packet, e.g., a GTP-Uuplink packet, with a new source address for a corresponding EPS bearer.When UE 414 is in an idle state, the “Current Used Downlink Forwardingaddress” field for each EPS bearer of UE 414 can be set to a “null” orother suitable value.

In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address is onlyupdated when PGW 426 receives a new SGW S5-U address in a predeterminedmessage or messages. For example, the Default Downlink Forwardingaddress is only updated when PGW 426 receives one of a Create SessionRequest, Modify Bearer Request and Create Bearer Response messages fromSGW 420.

As values 442, 444 can be maintained and otherwise manipulated on a perbearer basis, it is understood that the storage locations can take theform of tables, spreadsheets, lists, and/or other data structuresgenerally well understood and suitable for maintaining and/or otherwisemanipulate forwarding addresses on a per bearer basis.

It should be noted that access network 402 and core network 404 areillustrated in a simplified block diagram in FIG. 4. In other words,either or both of access network 402 and the core network 404 caninclude additional network elements that are not shown, such as variousrouters, switches and controllers. In addition, although FIG. 4illustrates only a single one of each of the various network elements,it should be noted that access network 402 and core network 404 caninclude any number of the various network elements. For example, corenetwork 404 can include a pool (i.e., more than one) of MMEs 418, SGWs420 or PGWs 426.

In the illustrative example, data traversing a network path between UE414, eNB 416 a, SGW 420, PGW 426 and external network 406 may beconsidered to constitute data transferred according to an end-to-end IPservice. However, for the present disclosure, to properly performestablishment management in LTE-EPS network architecture 400, the corenetwork, data bearer portion of the end-to-end IP service is analyzed.

An establishment may be defined herein as a connection set up requestbetween any two elements within LTE-EPS network architecture 400. Theconnection set up request may be for user data or for signaling. Afailed establishment may be defined as a connection set up request thatwas unsuccessful. A successful establishment may be defined as aconnection set up request that was successful.

In one embodiment, a data bearer portion comprises a first portion(e.g., a data radio bearer 446) between UE 414 and eNB 416 a, a secondportion (e.g., an S1 data bearer 428) between eNB 416 a and SGW 420, anda third portion (e.g., an S5/S8 bearer 432) between SGW 420 and PGW 426.Various signaling bearer portions are also illustrated in FIG. 4. Forexample, a first signaling portion (e.g., a signaling radio bearer 448)between UE 414 and eNB 416 a, and a second signaling portion (e.g., S1signaling bearer 430) between eNB 416 a and MME 418.

In at least some embodiments, the data bearer can include tunneling,e.g., IP tunneling, by which data packets can be forwarded in anencapsulated manner, between tunnel endpoints. Tunnels, or tunnelconnections can be identified in one or more nodes of network 100, e.g.,by one or more of tunnel endpoint identifiers, an IP address and a userdatagram protocol port number. Within a particular tunnel connection,payloads, e.g., packet data, which may or may not include protocolrelated information, are forwarded between tunnel endpoints.

An example of first tunnel solution 450 includes a first tunnel 452 abetween two tunnel endpoints 454 a and 456 a, and a second tunnel 452 bbetween two tunnel endpoints 454 b and 456 b. In the illustrativeexample, first tunnel 452 a is established between eNB 416 a and SGW420. Accordingly, first tunnel 452 a includes a first tunnel endpoint454 a corresponding to an S1-U address of eNB 416 a (referred to hereinas the eNB S1-U address), and second tunnel endpoint 456 a correspondingto an S1-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein as the SGW S1-Uaddress). Likewise, second tunnel 452 b includes first tunnel endpoint454 b corresponding to an S5-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein asthe SGW S5-U address), and second tunnel endpoint 456 b corresponding toan S5-U address of PGW 426 (referred to herein as the PGW S5-U address).

In at least some embodiments, first tunnel solution 450 is referred toas a two tunnel solution, e.g., according to the GPRS Tunneling ProtocolUser Plane (GTPv1-U based), as described in 3GPP specification TS29.281, incorporated herein in its entirety. It is understood that oneor more tunnels are permitted between each set of tunnel end points. Forexample, each subscriber can have one or more tunnels, e.g., one foreach PDP context that they have active, as well as possibly havingseparate tunnels for specific connections with different quality ofservice requirements, and so on.

An example of second tunnel solution 458 includes a single or directtunnel 460 between tunnel endpoints 462 and 464. In the illustrativeexample, direct tunnel 460 is established between eNB 416 a and PGW 426,without subjecting packet transfers to processing related to SGW 420.Accordingly, direct tunnel 460 includes first tunnel endpoint 462corresponding to the eNB S1-U address, and second tunnel endpoint 464corresponding to the PGW S5-U address. Packet data received at eitherend can be encapsulated into a payload and directed to the correspondingaddress of the other end of the tunnel. Such direct tunneling avoidsprocessing, e.g., by SGW 420 that would otherwise relay packets betweenthe same two endpoints, e.g., according to a protocol, such as the GTP-Uprotocol.

In some scenarios, direct tunneling solution 458 can forward user planedata packets between eNB 416 a and PGW 426, by way of SGW 420. SGW 420can serve a relay function, by relaying packets between two tunnelendpoints 416 a, 426. In other scenarios, direct tunneling solution 458can forward user data packets between eNB 416 a and PGW 426, by way ofthe S1 U+ interface, thereby bypassing SGW 420.

Generally, UE 414 can have one or more bearers at any one time. Thenumber and types of bearers can depend on applications, defaultrequirements, and so on. It is understood that the techniques disclosedherein, including the configuration, management and use of varioustunnel solutions 450, 458, can be applied to the bearers on anindividual bases. If user data packets of one bearer, say a bearerassociated with a VoIP service of UE 414, then the forwarding of allpackets of that bearer are handled in a similar manner. Continuing withthis example, the same UE 414 can have another bearer associated with itthrough the same eNB 416 a. This other bearer, for example, can beassociated with a relatively low rate data session forwarding user datapackets through core network 404 simultaneously with the first bearer.Likewise, the user data packets of the other bearer are also handled ina similar manner, without necessarily following a forwarding path orsolution of the first bearer. Thus, one of the bearers may be forwardedthrough direct tunnel 458; whereas, another one of the bearers may beforwarded through a two-tunnel solution 450.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as processor 302, UE 414, eNB 416, MME 418, SGW420, HSS 422, PCRF 424, PGW 426 and other devices of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4.In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network502) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine mayoperate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in aserver-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

Computer system 500 may include a processor (or controller) 504 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, orboth), a main memory 506 and a static memory 508, which communicate witheach other via a bus 510. The computer system 500 may further include adisplay unit 512 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, ora solid state display). Computer system 500 may include an input device514 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 516 (e.g., a mouse), adisk drive unit 518, a signal generation device 520 (e.g., a speaker orremote control) and a network interface device 522. In distributedenvironments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can beadapted to utilize multiple display units 512 controlled by two or morecomputer systems 500. In this configuration, presentations described bythe subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of display units512, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of displayunits 512.

The disk drive unit 518 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 524 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 526) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above.Instructions 526 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within main memory 506, static memory 508, or within processor 504during execution thereof by the computer system 500. Main memory 506 andprocessor 504 also may constitute tangible computer-readable storagemedia.

As shown in FIG. 6, telecommunication system 600 may include wirelesstransmit/receive units (WTRUs) 602, a RAN 604, a core network 606, apublic switched telephone network (PSTN) 608, the Internet 610, or othernetworks 612, though it will be appreciated that the disclosed examplescontemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, or networkelements. Each WTRU 602 may be any type of device configured to operateor communicate in a wireless environment. For example, a WTRU maycomprise drone 102, a mobile device, network device 300, or the like, orany combination thereof. By way of example, WTRUs 602 may be configuredto transmit or receive wireless signals and may include a UE, a mobilestation, a mobile device, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, acellular telephone, a PDA, a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a personalcomputer, a wireless sensor, consumer electronics, or the like. WTRUs602 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signals over anair interface 614.

Telecommunication system 600 may also include one or more base stations616. Each of base stations 616 may be any type of device configured towirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 602 to facilitateaccess to one or more communication networks, such as core network 606,PTSN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. By way of example, basestations 616 may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an eNodeB, a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, a site controller, an access point(AP), a wireless router, or the like. While base stations 616 are eachdepicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that base stations616 may include any number of interconnected base stations or networkelements.

RAN 604 may include one or more base stations 616, along with othernetwork elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), aradio network controller (RNC), or relay nodes. One or more basestations 616 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signalswithin a particular geographic region, which may be referred to as acell (not shown). The cell may further be divided into cell sectors. Forexample, the cell associated with base station 616 may be divided intothree sectors such that base station 616 may include three transceivers:one for each sector of the cell. In another example, base station 616may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and,therefore, may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of thecell.

Base stations 616 may communicate with one or more of WTRUs 602 over airinterface 614, which may be any suitable wireless communication link(e.g., RF, microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), or visiblelight). Air interface 614 may be established using any suitable radioaccess technology (RAT).

More specifically, as noted above, telecommunication system 600 may be amultiple access system and may employ one or more channel accessschemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, or the like. Forexample, base station 616 in RAN 604 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN 604may implement a radio technology such as Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) thatmay establish air interface 614 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA mayinclude communication protocols, such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA)or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High-Speed Downlink PacketAccess (HSDPA) or High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).

As another example base station 616 and WTRUs 602 that are connected toRAN 604 may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTSTerrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish air interface 614using LTE or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).

Optionally base station 616 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN 604 mayimplement radio technologies such as IEEE 602.16 (i.e., WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1×,CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95(IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), GSM, Enhanced Data rates for GSMEvolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), or the like.

Base station 616 may be a wireless router, Home Node B, Home eNode B, oraccess point, for example, and may utilize any suitable RAT forfacilitating wireless connectivity in a localized area, such as a placeof business, a home, a vehicle, a campus, or the like. For example, basestation 616 and associated WTRUs 602 may implement a radio technologysuch as IEEE 602.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN).As another example, base station 616 and associated WTRUs 602 mayimplement a radio technology such as IEEE 602.15 to establish a wirelesspersonal area network (WPAN). In yet another example, base station 616and associated WTRUs 602 may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA,CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, etc.) to establish a picocell or femtocell.As shown in FIG. 6, base station 616 may have a direct connection toInternet 610. Thus, base station 616 may not be required to accessInternet 610 via core network 606.

RAN 604 may be in communication with core network 606, which may be anytype of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and/orvoice over internet protocol (VoIP) services to one or more WTRUs 602.For example, core network 606 may provide call control, billingservices, mobile location-based services, pre-paid calling, Internetconnectivity, video distribution or high-level security functions, suchas user authentication. Although not shown in FIG. 6, it will beappreciated that RAN 604 or core network 606 may be in direct orindirect communication with other RANs that employ the same RAT as RAN604 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected toRAN 604, which may be utilizing an E-UTRA radio technology, core network606 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) employinga GSM radio technology.

Core network 606 may also serve as a gateway for WTRUs 602 to accessPSTN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. PSTN 608 may includecircuit-switched telephone networks that provide plain old telephoneservice (POTS). For LTE core networks, core network 606 may use IMS core614 to provide access to PSTN 608. Internet 610 may include a globalsystem of interconnected computer networks or devices that use commoncommunication protocols, such as the transmission control protocol(TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), or IP in the TCP/IP internetprotocol suite. Other networks 612 may include wired or wirelesscommunications networks owned or operated by other service providers.For example, other networks 612 may include another core networkconnected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as RAN 604or a different RAT.

Some or all WTRUs 602 in telecommunication system 600 may includemulti-mode capabilities. WTRUs 602 may include multiple transceivers forcommunicating with different wireless networks over different wirelesslinks. For example, one or more WTRUs 602 may be configured tocommunicate with base station 616, which may employ a cellular-basedradio technology, and with base station 616, which may employ an IEEE802 radio technology.

FIG. 7 is an example system 700 including RAN 604 and core network 606.As noted above, RAN 604 may employ an E-UTRA radio technology tocommunicate with WTRUs 602 over air interface 614. RAN 604 may also bein communication with core network 606.

RAN 604 may include any number of eNode-Bs 702 while remainingconsistent with the disclosed technology. One or more eNode-Bs 702 mayinclude one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 602over air interface 614. Optionally, eNode-Bs 702 may implement MIMOtechnology. Thus, one of eNode-Bs 702, for example, may use multipleantennas to transmit wireless signals to, or receive wireless signalsfrom, one of WTRUs 602.

Each of eNode-Bs 702 may be associated with a particular cell and may beconfigured to handle radio resource management decisions, handoverdecisions, scheduling of users in the uplink or downlink, or the like.As shown in FIG. 7 eNode-Bs 702 may communicate with one another over anX2 interface.

Core network 606 shown in FIG. 7 may include a mobility managementgateway or entity (MME) 704, a serving gateway 706, or a packet datanetwork (PDN) gateway 708. While each of the foregoing elements aredepicted as part of core network 606, it will be appreciated that anyone of these elements may be owned or operated by an entity other thanthe core network operator.

MME 704 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604 via an S1interface and may serve as a control node. For example, MME 704 may beresponsible for authenticating users of WTRUs 602, bearer activation ordeactivation, selecting a particular serving gateway during an initialattach of WTRUs 602, or the like. MME 704 may also provide a controlplane function for switching between RAN 604 and other RANs (not shown)that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM or WCDMA.

Serving gateway 706 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604via the S1 interface. Serving gateway 706 may generally route or forwarduser data packets to or from the WTRUs 602. Serving gateway 706 may alsoperform other functions, such as anchoring user planes duringinter-eNode B handovers, triggering paging when downlink data isavailable for WTRUs 602, managing or storing contexts of WTRUs 602, orthe like.

Serving gateway 706 may also be connected to PDN gateway 708, which mayprovide WTRUs 602 with access to packet-switched networks, such asInternet 610, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 602 andIP-enabled devices.

Core network 606 may facilitate communications with other networks. Forexample, core network 606 may provide WTRUs 602 with access tocircuit-switched networks, such as PSTN 608, such as through IMS core614, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 602 and traditionalland-line communications devices. In addition, core network 606 mayprovide the WTRUs 602 with access to other networks 612, which mayinclude other wired or wireless networks that are owned or operated byother service providers.

FIG. 8 depicts an overall block diagram of an example packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network as describedherein. In the example packet-based mobile cellular network environmentshown in FIG. 8, there are a plurality of base station subsystems (BSS)800 (only one is shown), each of which comprises a base stationcontroller (BSC) 802 serving a plurality of BTSs, such as BTSs 804, 806,808. BTSs 804, 806, 808 are the access points where users ofpacket-based mobile devices become connected to the wireless network. Inexample fashion, the packet traffic originating from mobile devices istransported via an over-the-air interface to BTS 808, and from BTS 808to BSC 802. Base station subsystems, such as BSS 800, are a part ofinternal frame relay network 810 that can include a service GPRS supportnodes (SGSN), such as SGSN 812 or SGSN 814. Each SGSN 812, 814 isconnected to an internal packet network 816 through which SGSN 812, 814can route data packets to or from a plurality of gateway GPRS supportnodes (GGSN) 818, 820, 822. As illustrated, SGSN 814 and GGSNs 818, 820,822 are part of internal packet network 816. GGSNs 818, 820, 822 mainlyprovide an interface to external IP networks such as PLMN 824, corporateintranets/internets 826, or Fixed-End System (FES) or the publicInternet 828. As illustrated, subscriber corporate network 826 may beconnected to GGSN 820 via a firewall 830. PLMN 824 may be connected toGGSN 820 via a boarder gateway router (BGR) 832. A Remote AuthenticationDial-In User Service (RADIUS) server 834 may be used for callerauthentication when a user calls corporate network 826.

Generally, there may be a several cell sizes in a network, referred toas macro, micro, pico, femto or umbrella cells. The coverage area ofeach cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can beregarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in amast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cellswhose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro cells aretypically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having adiameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors.Femto cells have the same size as pico cells, but a smaller transportcapacity. Femto cells are used indoors, in residential or small businessenvironments. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used to covershadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in coverage betweenthose cells.

FIG. 9 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network 900 asdescribed herein. The architecture depicted in FIG. 9 may be segmentedinto four groups: users 902, RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnectnetwork 908. Users 902 comprise a plurality of end users, who each mayuse one or more devices 910. Note that device 910 is referred to as amobile subscriber (MS) in the description of network shown in FIG. 9. Inan example, device 910 comprises a communications device (e.g., mobiledevice 102, mobile positioning center 116, network device 300, any ofdetected devices 500, second device 508, access device 604, accessdevice 606, access device 608, access device 610 or the like, or anycombination thereof). Radio access network 904 comprises a plurality ofBSSs such as BSS 912, which includes a BTS 914 and a BSC 916. Corenetwork 906 may include a host of various network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, core network 906 may comprise MSC 918, servicecontrol point (SCP) 920, gateway MSC (GMSC) 922, SGSN 924, home locationregister (HLR) 926, authentication center (AuC) 928, domain name system(DNS) server 930, and GGSN 932. Interconnect network 908 may alsocomprise a host of various networks or other network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, interconnect network 908 comprises a PSTN 934, anFES/Internet 936, a firewall 1038 (FIG. 10), or a corporate network 940.

An MSC can be connected to a large number of BSCs. At MSC 918, forinstance, depending on the type of traffic, the traffic may be separatedin that voice may be sent to PSTN 934 through GMSC 922, or data may besent to SGSN 924, which then sends the data traffic to GGSN 932 forfurther forwarding.

When MSC 918 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 916, it sendsa query to a database hosted by SCP 920, which processes the request andissues a response to MSC 918 so that it may continue call processing asappropriate.

HLR 926 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRSnetwork. HLR 926 stores static information about the subscribers such asthe International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), subscribedservices, or a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 926 alsostores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location ofthe MS. Associated with HLR 926 is AuC 928, which is a database thatcontains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers and includes theassociated keys for encryption to safeguard the user input forauthentication.

In the following, depending on context, “mobile subscriber” or “MS”sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portabledevice, such as a mobile device, used by an end user of the mobilecellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobiledevice, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which themobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. In FIG. 9, whenMS 910 initiates the attach process by turning on the networkcapabilities of the mobile device, an attach request is sent by MS 910to SGSN 924. The SGSN 924 queries another SGSN, to which MS 910 wasattached before, for the identity of MS 910. Upon receiving the identityof MS 910 from the other SGSN, SGSN 924 requests more information fromMS 910. This information is used to authenticate MS 910 together withthe information provided by HLR 926. Once verified, SGSN 924 sends alocation update to HLR 926 indicating the change of location to a newSGSN, in this case SGSN 924. HLR 926 notifies the old SGSN, to which MS910 was attached before, to cancel the location process for MS 910. HLR926 then notifies SGSN 924 that the location update has been performed.At this time, SGSN 924 sends an Attach Accept message to MS 910, whichin turn sends an Attach Complete message to SGSN 924.

Next, MS 910 establishes a user session with the destination network,corporate network 940, by going through a Packet Data Protocol (PDP)activation process. Briefly, in the process, MS 910 requests access tothe Access Point Name (APN), for example, UPS.com, and SGSN 924 receivesthe activation request from MS 910. SGSN 924 then initiates a DNS queryto learn which GGSN 932 has access to the UPS.com APN. The DNS query issent to a DNS server within core network 906, such as DNS server 930,which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSNs in core network 906.Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 932 can access requested corporatenetwork 940. SGSN 924 then sends to GGSN 932 a Create PDP ContextRequest message that contains necessary information. GGSN 932 sends aCreate PDP Context Response message to SGSN 924, which then sends anActivate PDP Context Accept message to MS 910.

Once activated, data packets of the call made by MS 910 can then gothrough RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnect network 908, in aparticular FES/Internet 936 and firewall 1038, to reach corporatenetwork 940.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example PLMN architecture thatmay be replaced by a telecommunications system. In FIG. 10, solid linesmay represent user traffic signals, and dashed lines may representsupport signaling. MS 1002 is the physical equipment used by the PLMNsubscriber. For example, drone 102, network device 300, the like, or anycombination thereof may serve as MS 1002. MS 1002 may be one of, but notlimited to, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone in combinationwith another electronic device or any other wireless mobilecommunication device.

MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with BSS 1004. BSS 1004 contains BSC1006 and a BTS 1008. BSS 1004 may include a single BSC 1006/BTS 1008pair (base station) or a system of BSC/BTS pairs that are part of alarger network. BSS 1004 is responsible for communicating with MS 1002and may support one or more cells. BSS 1004 is responsible for handlingcellular traffic and signaling between MS 1002 and a core network 1010.Typically, BSS 1004 performs functions that include, but are not limitedto, digital conversion of speech channels, allocation of channels tomobile devices, paging, or transmission/reception of cellular signals.

Additionally, MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with RNS 1012. RNS 1012contains a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 1014 and one or more Nodes B1016. RNS 1012 may support one or more cells. RNS 1012 may also includeone or more RNC 1014/Node B 1016 pairs or alternatively a single RNC1014 may manage multiple Nodes B 1016. RNS 1012 is responsible forcommunicating with MS 1002 in its geographically defined area. RNC 1014is responsible for controlling Nodes B 1016 that are connected to it andis a control element in a UMTS radio access network. RNC 1014 performsfunctions such as, but not limited to, load control, packet scheduling,handover control, security functions, or controlling MS 1002 access tocore network 1010.

An E-UTRA Network (E-UTRAN) 1018 is a RAN that provides wireless datacommunications for MS 1002 and UE 1024. E-UTRAN 1018 provides higherdata rates than traditional UMTS. It is part of the LTE upgrade formobile networks, and later releases meet the requirements of theInternational Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Advanced and are commonlyknown as a 4G networks. E-UTRAN 1018 may include of series of logicalnetwork components such as E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1020 and E-UTRAN Node B(eNB) 1022. E-UTRAN 1018 may contain one or more eNBs. User equipment(UE) 1024 may be any mobile device capable of connecting to E-UTRAN 1018including, but not limited to, a personal computer, laptop, mobiledevice, wireless router, or other device capable of wirelessconnectivity to E-UTRAN 1018. The improved performance of the E-UTRAN1018 relative to a typical UMTS network allows for increased bandwidth,spectral efficiency, and functionality including, but not limited to,voice, high-speed applications, large data transfer or IPTV, while stillallowing for full mobility.

Typically MS 1002 may communicate with any or all of BSS 1004, RNS 1012,or E-UTRAN 1018. In a illustrative system, each of BSS 1004, RNS 1012,and E-UTRAN 1018 may provide MS 1002 with access to core network 1010.Core network 1010 may include of a series of devices that route data andcommunications between end users. Core network 1010 may provide networkservice functions to users in the circuit switched (CS) domain or thepacket switched (PS) domain. The CS domain refers to connections inwhich dedicated network resources are allocated at the time ofconnection establishment and then released when the connection isterminated. The PS domain refers to communications and data transfersthat make use of autonomous groupings of bits called packets. Eachpacket may be routed, manipulated, processed or handled independently ofall other packets in the PS domain and does not require dedicatednetwork resources.

The circuit-switched MGW function (CS-MGW) 1026 is part of core network1010, and interacts with VLR/MSC server 1028 and GMSC server 1030 inorder to facilitate core network 1010 resource control in the CS domain.Functions of CS-MGW 1026 include, but are not limited to, mediaconversion, bearer control, payload processing or other mobile networkprocessing such as handover or anchoring. CS-MGW 1026 may receiveconnections to MS 1002 through BSS 1004 or RNS 1012.

SGSN 1032 stores subscriber data regarding MS 1002 in order tofacilitate network functionality. SGSN 1032 may store subscriptioninformation such as, but not limited to, the IMSI, temporary identities,or PDP addresses. SGSN 1032 may also store location information such as,but not limited to, GGSN address for each GGSN 1034 where an active PDPexists. GGSN 1034 may implement a location register function to storesubscriber data it receives from SGSN 1032 such as subscription orlocation information.

Serving gateway (S-GW) 1036 is an interface which provides connectivitybetween E-UTRAN 1018 and core network 1010. Functions of S-GW 1036include, but are not limited to, packet routing, packet forwarding,transport level packet processing, or user plane mobility anchoring forinter-network mobility. PCRF 1038 uses information gathered from P-GW1036, as well as other sources, to make applicable policy and chargingdecisions related to data flows, network resources or other networkadministration functions. PDN gateway (PDN-GW) 1040 may provideuser-to-services connectivity functionality including, but not limitedto, GPRS/EPC network anchoring, bearer session anchoring and control, orIP address allocation for PS domain connections.

HSS 1042 is a database for user information and stores subscription dataregarding MS 1002 or UE 1024 for handling calls or data sessions.Networks may contain one HSS 1042 or more if additional resources arerequired. Example data stored by HSS 1042 include, but is not limitedto, user identification, numbering or addressing information, securityinformation, or location information. HSS 1042 may also provide call orsession establishment procedures in both the PS and CS domains.

VLR/MSC Server 1028 provides user location functionality. When MS 1002enters a new network location, it begins a registration procedure. A MSCserver for that location transfers the location information to the VLRfor the area. A VLR and MSC server may be located in the same computingenvironment, as is shown by VLR/MSC server 1028, or alternatively may belocated in separate computing environments. A VLR may contain, but isnot limited to, user information such as the IMSI, the Temporary MobileStation Identity (TMSI), the Local Mobile Station Identity (LMSI), thelast known location of the mobile station, or the SGSN where the mobilestation was previously registered. The MSC server may containinformation such as, but not limited to, procedures for MS 1002registration or procedures for handover of MS 1002 to a differentsection of core network 1010. GMSC server 1030 may serve as a connectionto alternate GMSC servers for other MSs in larger networks.

EIR 1044 is a logical element which may store the IMEI for MS 1002. Userequipment may be classified as either “white listed” or “black listed”depending on its status in the network. If MS 1002 is stolen and put touse by an unauthorized user, it may be registered as “black listed” inEIR 1044, preventing its use on the network. A MME 1046 is a controlnode which may track MS 1002 or UE 1024 if the devices are idle.Additional functionality may include the ability of MME 1046 to contactidle MS 1002 or UE 1024 if retransmission of a previous session isrequired.

As described herein, a telecommunications system wherein management andcontrol utilizing a software designed network (SDN) and a simple IP arebased, at least in part, on user equipment, may provide a wirelessmanagement and control framework that enables common wireless managementand control, such as mobility management, radio resource management,QoS, load balancing, etc., across many wireless technologies, e.g. LTE,Wi-Fi, and future 5G access technologies; decoupling the mobilitycontrol from data planes to let them evolve and scale independently;reducing network state maintained in the network based on user equipmenttypes to reduce network cost and allow massive scale; shortening cycletime and improving network upgradability; flexibility in creatingend-to-end services based on types of user equipment and applications,thus improve customer experience; or improving user equipment powerefficiency and battery life—especially for simple M2M devices—throughenhanced wireless management.

As described herein, virtual machines (VMs) can be isolated softwarecontainers, operating independent of other virtual machines. Suchisolation can assist in realizing virtual-machine-based virtualenvironments that can execute applications and provide services withavailability, flexibility, and security, in some cases, surpassing thoseon traditional, non-virtualized systems. Virtual machines canencapsulate a complete set of virtual hardware resources, including anoperating system and all its applications, inside a software package.Encapsulation can make virtual machines quite portable and manageable.Indeed, virtual machines can be hardware-independent, and can beportably provisioned and deployed on one of multiple different computingdevices, operating systems, and environments. Indeed, depending on theavailability of computing devices within a cloud environment (e.g.,server 104) a particular VM 105 may be provisioned on any one (ormultiple) of the devices included in a cloud environment.

In some instances, a virtual machine manager, or hypervisor, may beprovided in connection with a cloud computing system (or other systemhosting virtual infrastructure). Virtual machine managers may beimplemented as software- or hardware-based tools used in thevirtualization of hardware assets on one or more host computing devices(e.g., server). A virtual machine manager may be used to run multiplevirtual machines, including virtual machines with different guestoperating systems, on one or more host computers. The virtual machinemanager may provide a shared virtual operating platform for multiplevirtual appliances and guest operating systems and enable a plurality ofdifferent virtual machines (and guest operating systems) to beinstantiated and run on computing devices and hardware hosting virtualinfrastructure. Further, virtual machine managers, in some instances maybe run natively, or as “bare metal,” directly on host computing devices'hardware to control the hardware and to manage virtual machinesprovisioned on the host devices. In other instances, “hosted” virtualmachine managers may be provided that is run within the operating systemof another host machine, including conventional operating systemenvironments. Although virtual machine is discussed, the methods systemsare applicable to applications in more than one operating systemenvironment. Lastly, virtual component can be programmed to performapplication specific functions that may be associated withmicrocontroller, sensor, motors, actuators, lighting, or radio frequencyidentification (RFID).

While examples of a telecommunications system in which overloadconditions can be processed and managed have been described inconnection with various computing devices/processors, the underlyingconcepts may be applied to any computing device, processor, or systemcapable of facilitating various networks. The various techniquesdescribed herein may be implemented in connection with hardware orsoftware or, where appropriate, with a combination of both. Thus, themethods and devices may take the form of program code (i.e.,instructions) embodied in concrete, tangible, storage media having aconcrete, tangible, physical structure. Examples of tangible storagemedia include floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard drives, or any othertangible machine-readable storage medium (computer-readable storagemedium). Thus, a computer-readable storage medium is not a signal. Acomputer-readable storage medium is not a transient signal. Further, acomputer-readable storage medium is not a propagating signal. Acomputer-readable storage medium as described herein is an article ofmanufacture. When the program code is loaded into and executed by amachine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an device fortelecommunications. In the case of program code execution onprogrammable computers, the computing device will generally include aprocessor, a storage medium readable by the processor (includingvolatile or nonvolatile memory or storage elements), at least one inputdevice, and at least one output device. The program(s) can beimplemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. The languagecan be a compiled or interpreted language, and may be combined withhardware implementations.

The methods and devices associated with a network and underlyingtelecommunications system as described herein also may be practiced viacommunications embodied in the form of program code that is transmittedover some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring orcabling, through fiber optics, or via any other form of transmission,wherein, when the program code is received and loaded into and executedby a machine, such as an EPROM, a gate array, a programmable logicdevice (PLD), a client computer, or the like, the machine becomes andevice for implementing telecommunications as described herein. Whenimplemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code combineswith the processor to provide a unique device that operates to invokethe functionality of a telecommunications system.

EXAMPLES

Example 1. A virtual network manager system comprising a server inconnection with a node, the service including at least one virtualnetwork function (VNF); a cluster management in communication with theserver; the cluster manager is configured to detect a change in a healthof the VNF of the server and when the change in the health of the VNFoccurs generate a signal to a node to perform action; the actionincluding at least one of throttling traffic to the VNF, reroutingtraffic to an alternate VNF, changing a weight value for traffic to theVNF, and generating an alert indicating a relative capacity change atthe VNF.

Example 2. The virtual network manager system of claim 1, wherein theserver is a peer 3GPP server, and wherein the action includes signalinga rest API to select an alternate GW.

Example 3. The virtual network manager system of claim 1, wherein theserver is a peer 3GPP server, and wherein the action includes signalinga rest API to limit traffic to the VNF and/or reroute traffic to analternate VNF.

Example 4. The virtual network manager system of claim 1 furthercomprising an orchestrator in communication with the server, wherein thecluster manager communicates the signal to the node via theorchestrator.

Example 5. The virtual network manager system of claim 1 furthercomprising a first orchestrator residing on a first cloud networkassociated with the VNF, and a second orchestrator residing on a secondcloud network; wherein the cluster manager communicates the signal tothe second orchestrator via the first orchestrator.

Example 6. The virtual network manager system of claim 1 wherein thecluster manager includes a memory, a threshold for the health of the VNFis stored in the memory; and wherein the cluster manager sends thesignal only when the threshold is crossed.

Example 7. The virtual network manager system of claim 1, wherein thenode includes at least one of eNB, an MME, an new radio and access andmobility management function, an orchestrator on a second cloud network,and an application server.

Example 8. The virtual network manager system of claim 1, wherein thecluster manager resides in at least one of the VNF, an orchestratorconnected to the VNF and a virtual machine within the VNF.

Example 9. The virtual network manager system of claim 1 furthercomprising plural virtual machines supporting the VNF, wherein thecluster manager monitors the plural virtual machines to determine thehealth of the VNF.

Example 10. The virtual network manager system of claim 9 furthercomprising a load balancer communicating with the plural virtualmachines, wherein the cluster manager communicates the signal to thenode via the load balancer.

Example 11. A network device comprising a process, a memory coupled withthe processor, and an input/output device, the memory comprisingexecutable instructions that when executed by the processor cause theprocessor to effectuate operations comprising monitoring a health of aVNF supporting a node; alerting the node when the health of the VNFindicates a loss of capacity; and taking an action based on the loss ofcapacity, the action including at least one of throttling traffic to theVNF, rerouting traffic to an alternate VNF, changing a weight value fortraffic to the VNF.

Example 12. The network device of claim 11 further comprisinginstantiating a cluster manager, wherein the cluster monitor performsthe monitoring step.

Example 13. The network device of claim 12, wherein the cluster managerperforms the alerting step.

Example 14. The network device of claim 12, wherein the cluster manageris instantiated in an orchestrator communicating with the VNF and thenode.

Example 15. The network device of claim 14, wherein the orchestratorperforms the step of alerting.

Example 16. The network device of claim 14 wherein the orchestratorperforms the step of taking an action.

Example 17. The network device of claim 12, wherein the step ofinstantiating includes instantiating the cluster manager in at least onevirtual machine supporting the VNF.

Example 18. The network device of claim 11, wherein the operationsfurther include comparing the health of the VNF to at least onethreshold, and performing the step of taking an action when at least onethreshold is crossed.

Example 19. The network device of claim 18, wherein the at least onethreshold includes a first traffic capacity for the VNF of 50%, whereinthe action includes rerouting traffic away from the VNF when the healthof the VNF drops below the first traffic capacity.

Example 20. The network device of claim 11 further comprising storing afirst threshold of 75% capacity for the VNF, a second threshold of 50%capacity and a third threshold of 25% capacity, wherein when the healthof the VNF drops below the first threshold, the step of alerting isperformed; wherein when the health of the VNF drops below the secondthreshold, the action includes rerouting a portion of the traffic awayfrom the VNF; and wherein the health of the VNF drops below the thirdthreshold, all traffic the action includes diverting all traffic fromthe VNF.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: monitoring, by one ormore processors, a health of a virtual network function (VNF) supportinga node; instantiating, by the one or more processors, a cluster manager,wherein the cluster manager resides in at least one of the VNF, anorchestrator connected to the VNF, or a VNF within a virtual machine;comparing, by the one or more processors, a health of the VNF to aplurality of thresholds, the health comprising an indication of acapacity of the VNF; and taking an action, by the one or moreprocessors, based on the comparing, the action comprising: alerting thenode when the health is less than a first threshold of the plurality ofthresholds and greater than a second threshold of the plurality ofthresholds, throttling traffic to the VNF when the health is less thanthe second threshold and greater than a third threshold of the pluralityof thresholds, or rerouting traffic to an alternate VNF when the healthis less than the third threshold, wherein the first threshold, thesecond threshold, and the third threshold are different values.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the cluster manager performs the alertingstep.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the orchestrator performs thestep of alerting.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the orchestratorperforms the step of taking the action.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the step of instantiating includes instantiating the clustermanager in at least one virtual machine supporting the VNF.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising monitoring a plurality of virtualmachines to determine the health of the VNF.
 7. A system comprising: oneor more processors; and memory coupled with the one or more processors,the memory storing executable instructions that when executed by the oneor more processors cause the one or more processors to effectuateoperations comprising: monitoring a health of a virtual network function(VNF) supporting a node; instantiating a cluster manager, wherein thecluster manager resides in at least one of the VNF, an orchestratorconnected to the VNF, or a VNF within a virtual machine; comparing ahealth of the VNF to a plurality of thresholds, the health comprising anindication of a capacity of the VNF; and taking an action based on thecomparing, the action comprising: alerting the node when the health isless than a first threshold of the plurality of thresholds and greaterthan a second threshold of the plurality of thresholds, throttlingtraffic to the VNF when the health is less than the second threshold andgreater than a third threshold of the plurality of thresholds, orrerouting traffic to an alternate VNF when the health is less than thethird threshold, wherein the first threshold, the second threshold, andthe third threshold are different values.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the cluster manager performs the alerting step.
 9. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the orchestrator performs the step of alerting.
 10. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the orchestrator performs the step of takingthe action.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the step of instantiatingincludes instantiating the cluster manager in at least one virtualmachine supporting the VNF.
 12. The system of claim 7, the operationsfurther comprising monitoring a plurality of virtual machines todetermine the health of the VNF.
 13. A computer readable storage mediumstoring computer executable instructions that when executed by acomputing device cause said computing device to effectuate operationscomprising: monitoring a health of a virtual network function (VNF)supporting a node; instantiating a cluster manager, wherein the clustermanager resides in at least one of the VNF, an orchestrator connected tothe VNF, or a VNF within a virtual machine; comparing a health of theVNF to a plurality of thresholds; and taking an action based on thecomparing, the action comprising: alerting the node when the health isless than a first threshold of the plurality of thresholds and greaterthan a second threshold of the plurality of thresholds, throttlingtraffic to the VNF when the health is less than the second threshold andgreater than a third threshold of the plurality of thresholds, orrerouting traffic to an alternate VNF when the health is less than thethird threshold, wherein the first threshold, the second threshold, andthe third threshold are different values.
 14. The computer readablestorage medium of claim 13, wherein the cluster manager performs thealerting step.
 15. The computer readable storage medium of claim 13,wherein the orchestrator performs the step of alerting.
 16. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the orchestrator performsthe step of taking the action.
 17. The computer readable storage mediumof claim 13, wherein the step of instantiating includes instantiatingthe cluster manager in at least one virtual machine supporting the VNF.18. The computer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein thethrottling of the traffic to the VNF comprises changing a weight factorfor the traffic to reduce an amount of traffic to the VNF.
 19. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: subsequent to the taking of the action in accordancewith the health being less than the first threshold and greater than thesecond threshold, detecting that the health is greater than the firstthreshold; and based on the detecting, transmitting a signal to the nodeto restore a full amount of traffic to the VNF.
 20. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the operations furthercomprise: subsequent to the taking of the action in accordance with thehealth being less than the third threshold, detecting that the health isgreater than the third threshold and less than the second threshold; andbased on the detecting, transmitting a signal to the node to restore aportion of an amount of traffic to the VNF, the portion being less thana full amount of the traffic.